Transportation Challenges Improve for Local Potato Industry

Published January 14, 2019

Transportation challenges plagued the Red River Valley during the 2017-18 marketing year, but local packers say it’s not as challenging this year. Northern Plains Potato Growers Association President Donavon Johnson says the biggest reason is supply. Red River Valley potato growers aren’t moving as many potatoes as they did last year. “The trucking industry is also getting more comfortable with the rules and regulations put in place this last year,” Johnson explains. Rail is also being used to move potatoes. While the situation is better, Johnson says the problem isn’t solved. The industry is still looking for solutions and taking this marketing year in stride. “There needs to be more trucks and truckers on the roads,” he says. “We’re looking at options.” Watch the conversation and others from the 2019 Potato Expo.